Taser Manufacturer Abandons Scottsdale HQ Plans, Faces Arizona Exit

By Staff Reporter |

Axon Enterprise, the inventor and leading distributor of Tasers, has abandoned plans for its new headquarters in Scottsdale, raising concerns about its future in Arizona. The decision comes in response to a ballot referendum spearheaded by a California-based labor union, which Axon alleges jeopardizes its operations.

Rick Smith, the CEO and founder of Axon, expressed frustration in a press release, stating, “The uncertainty caused by this referendum forces us to confront a tough reality: we can’t allow political games to put our mission or our team at risk.” After over 30 years in the Valley, the company’s potential move out of Arizona has stirred local anxieties.

Despite the Scottsdale City Council’s approval of their development plans just two months prior, Axon’s ambitious project is now on hold. The proposed headquarters would have included approximately 1,900 apartments and condos, a hotel, and various dining options, transforming an industrial zone into a mixed-use complex.

The controversy centers around the labor union Unite Here and its political offshoot, the Worker Power Institute, which pushed for the referendum aimed at reversing zoning changes approved by the City Council. Last month, allegations surfaced that the union tried to pressure Axon into a deal requiring exclusive bargaining rights in exchange for withdrawing the referendum.

While a union spokesperson denied any engagement with Axon, leaked communications reportedly spurred concern within the company. Should the proposed agreement have moved forward, Axon would have had to inform the union of any pending bids and require that businesses collaborate with the union for hiring processes.

Axon has called Scottsdale home since its founding in 1993. The company has evolved from producing Tasers to developing various technologies for law enforcement and civilian safety. Smith emphasized the importance of operating in a supportive environment, stating, “If that means relocating to a community that fully supports those goals, we’re prepared to make that move.”

Concerns about political interference have been amplified by previous actions by Unite Here, which successfully halted development efforts for an arena intended for the Arizona Coyotes. Axon noted that this activism has broader implications, warning that such political maneuvers could hinder Arizona’s attractiveness to major employers.

An impact study cited by Axon suggested that their new headquarters would create around 5,500 high-wage jobs, generating an estimated $11.5 million in annual tax revenue for the city while contributing approximately $3.6 billion to the state economy each year.